Press Release: OPP West Region, March 27, 2026.
LONDON – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region will be participating in the annual “Stay Focused” campaign, aimed at reducing deaths and injuries caused by inattentive driving on Ontario’s roads and highways.
The campaign runs from March 27 to April 3, 2026, and will focus on education and enforcement targeting drivers who put themselves and others at risk by driving while distracted. Throughout the campaign, motorists can expect heightened enforcement, as officers take a zero‑tolerance approach toward inattentive and distracted driving offences.
Inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of fatal collisions. In 2024, the OPP investigated 114 fatal collisions, resulting in 125 deaths, with 45 fatalities linked to inattentive driving. In 2025, inattentive driving was a factor in 22 deaths, and in 2026 year to date, five fatalities have already been attributed to inattentive driving.
Distracted or inattentive driving includes any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, such as adjusting a vehicle’s entertainment or GPS system, eating or drinking, using a hand‑held communication or entertainment device, self‑grooming, or tending to children or pets while driving.
Penalties for distracted driving convictions are severe, and can include fines, demerit points, licence suspensions, and increased insurance costs.
“The OPP is urging drivers of all ages to make safe choices behind the wheel and is encouraging passengers to speak up when they see unsafe driving behaviours. Taking a stand against distracted driving can save lives”. – Staff Sergeant Julie McLeod, West Region OPP Traffic and Marine Services
For more information on distracted driving laws and road safety initiatives, visit opp.ca.
